Legendary rock opera singer Meat Loaf has died. He was aged 74.

Meat Loaf – real name Marvin Lee Aday – recorded Bat Out Of Hell, one of the best-selling albums of all time with more than 43 million sales.

The news of his death was announced by his family on the star’s Facebook page.

The message said:

“Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side

“Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.

“We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man.

“We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time.

“From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!”

Meat Loaf was given part of his nickname by his father when he commented his new born son was “as red as meat”.

A football coach later added the “loaf”.

Meat Loaf is believed to have died from complications after catching Covid.

Apart from being a larger-than-life on-stage performer the singer also appeared in countless films.

His role call included the comedy of Wayne’s World to the dark 1999 film Fight Club.

In the 90s, his hit I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) was the UK’s best-selling single of 1993 and earned him a Grammy Award.

Bat Out Of Hell is one of the top 10 biggest-selling albums ever.

In a 2010 interview with the BBC he said his distinctive and dramatic vocal style was ranged over three octaves.

He said: “I had an offer to study opera and make a lot of money, but it wasn’t for me – I’m too rebellious, too crazy.

“I made the right choices. I have no regrets.

“[It] might have saved some of my voice, you know – doing 200 rock shows a year will take it out of you.”

Battle Out Of Hell was four years in the making with writer Jim Steinman and producer Todd Rundgren.

Rundgren described Meat Loaf as “larger than life.

He added:

“If Bruce Springsteen can take it over the top, Meat Loaf can take it five storeys higher.”

The album struggled to find any takers, constantly being rejected by record labels as “overblown” rock musical nonsense.

The motorbike revving on the title track was created by Rundgren on his guitar.